Crownlands

The Crownlands are the region of Westeros surrounding King's Landing and ruled directly by the holder of the Iron Throne rather than by a great lord. Carved out by Aegon the Conqueror from the lands of the kingdoms he subdued, the Crownlands form the personal domain of the crown.

Geography

The Crownlands lie on the eastern coast of Westeros around Blackwater Bay and the lower Blackwater Rush. They include King's Landing, the largest city in the realm, as well as the island seats of Dragonstone (House Targaryen and later House Baratheon of Dragonstone), Driftmark (House Velaryon), and the towns and holdfasts of the surrounding country. Harrenhal, though often grouped with the Riverlands, has at times been held by crownland favorites.

Government

Unlike the other regions, the Crownlands have no single Lord Paramount; their lords answer directly to the king and his Small Council. The City Watch of King's Landing, the gold cloaks, keeps order in the capital, and the royal fleet patrols Blackwater Bay.

History

The Crownlands were assembled by Aegon from territory taken from the Stormlands, the Riverlands, and other realms when he forged the Seven Kingdoms. As the seat of royal power, the region has been the stage for much of the realm's politics, intrigue, and warfare, including the Sack of King's Landing and the Battle of the Blackwater.